Short Wave Fire And Ice: Linking Intense Wildfire And The Melting Arctic
Apr 21, 2023
Lauren Sommer, a reporter for NPR's Climate Desk, dives deep into the alarming connections between melting Arctic ice and wildfires in the Western U.S. She explores how the decline of sea ice impacts weather patterns, increasing wildfire risks thousands of miles away. The discussion highlights cultural challenges faced by Arctic communities like the Inupiaq people as their environments transform. Sommer also touches on the emotional toll on firefighters combating more destructive blazes. It's a compelling look at the far-reaching effects of climate change.
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Kotzebue's Changing Climate
- Emily Kwong and Lauren Sommer discuss Kotzebue, a small Alaskan village above the Arctic Circle.
- Kids swim there now, but decades ago, it was covered in floating ice.
Ice and Fire
- Wildfires in California seem unrelated to Alaskan ice melt, but they're connected.
- Melting ice impacts weather patterns, influencing wildfire conditions.
Impact on Traditional Hunting
- Cyrus Harris, an Inupiaq resident, explains how ice melt affects traditional hunting.
- The sea ice breaks up three weeks earlier now, impacting food access.